I

The Six Nations has an unchangeable rule that all teams enjoy defeating England. This also means that all teams dislike losing to them. Unfortunately, Scotland experienced many losses against their old rival during the last 10 years. It was not recognized at the time, but England’s triumph at Twickenham in 2009 was the start of a decade filled with suffering for Scotland. Ugo Monye, Riki Flutey, and Mathew Tait all scored tries for the home team, led by Steve Borthwick as captain. Additionally, scrum-half Danny Care contributed a drop goal in their 26-12 win.

The following year, the reunion at Murrayfield ended in a 15-15 tie, with Scotland’s impressive back row leading the way in a match that the home team arguably should have won. Ben Youngs made his debut for the international team as a substitute. However, since then, regardless of whether it was Martin Johnson, Stuart Lancaster, or Eddie Jones as coach, England has consistently outplayed Scotland.

The most agonizing moment during the ten-year winless streak occurred in 2017, when they were overwhelmingly defeated 61-21 in a match in south-west London. Jonathan Joseph scored three goals and Jones’s team successfully defended their Six Nations title. According to Michael Aylwin’s report in the Observer, Scotland endured a prolonged and intense beating. England quickly targeted Finn Russell and wasted no time in attacking him. For Scotland, the situation seemed hopeless, with a lack of physicality being their most pressing issue against England’s powerful players. Fortunately for Scotland and their fans, the tables have now turned as they prepare to face each other on the Murrayfield field next Saturday.

Scotland’s team, led by Gregor Townsend, has emerged victorious in four of the last six Calcutta Cup matches. Even their 38-38 tie against England in 2019 felt like a win, especially since they were able to come back from a 31-0 deficit. Finn Russell, who has been compared to Lionel Messi in the rugby world, faced intense criticism after a lackluster start to the 2018 season. However, his captain John Barclay believed in him and assured that he would bounce back, as he is known for his unpredictable nature on the field. Barclay stated, “He usually recovers quickly. I’ve seen him have an off game, and then the next week he’s named man of the match.”

Display the image in full screen mode.

The conflict started on the field that particular day in February, following the pre-game preparations, when Scottish back-rower Ryan Wilson exchanged words with England’s George Ford near the tunnel. Wilson has now disclosed the message he was conveying: “We’re coming for you, be careful.” He may have also alluded to causing injury.

The Wilson v Ford match was a clear mismatch, like Patrick Vieira v Gary Neville in rugby. This caused a strong reaction from England’s Owen Farrell. The resulting physical struggle before the match set the tone. On the field, Barclay set a great example as Scotland’s rejuvenated team put pressure on England at the breakdown. Paul Rees described their play as “sustained and controlled fury,” with Jonny Gray even challenging England captain Dylan Hartley and inviting Courtney Lawes to join in.

Meanwhile, Russell’s vision and courageous prompting with ball in hand allowed Scotland’s attack to click. An expertly judged grubber kick sat up for Huw Jones to dive under the posts: incredibly, Scotland’s first try against England at Murrayfield since 2004. A spectacular, high-tariff Russell pass over the head of Joseph – the player whose hat-trick tormented Scotland the year before – sent Jones scorching into England’s half, before Russell got his hands on it again, putting Sean Maitland over in the corner for try No 2.

Jones managed to avoid being tackled by Anthony Watson and Mike Brown, allowing him to score the third point. However, England’s hopes were dashed when Sam Underhill received a yellow card as a replacement player. The celebrations following Watson’s mistake, which resulted in the ball going out of bounds, were some of the most lively seen since the historic Calcutta Cup match in 1879.

Barclay described the game as intense and physical with high stakes, following England’s second loss under Jones out of 26 games. Jones acknowledged that they were prepared for a tough battle, understanding the importance of the match and the challenges they would face. However, he admitted that they did not handle it effectively.

The following day, Jones was approached by a crowd of Scottish supporters who had clearly been celebrating. He promised to never use public transportation again after the “disgusting behavior” was condemned by Scottish Rugby. After a decade, the Scottish fans were determined to savor their moment, with some taking it a bit too far.

In the first round of the current year, Russell felt disheartened as Scotland almost lost a 27-0 lead against Wales. The following round resulted in a painful loss to France, influenced by the TMO. Borthwick’s developing England team will now travel north with fresh players and a different style of play. Is this an opportunity for Russell to shine once more?

Source: theguardian.com